Cranial nerve palsies

Summary

Cranial nerve palsy is characterized by a decreased or complete loss of function of one or more cranial nerves. The etiology may be congenital or acquired. Multiple cranial neuropathies are common, particularly in lesions arising from tumors, trauma, impaired blood flow, and infections. While a diagnosis can usually be made based on clinical features, further investigation is often warranted to determine the specific etiology, which should determine the course of treatment.

Cranial mononeuropathies

A cranial nerve mononeuropathy is a condition in which only a single cranial nerve or nerve group is damaged. The clinical presentation of cranial nerve mononeuropathies depends on the underlying cause as well as the region that is affected along its pathway.